Can the NFL Learn from Plaxico Burress?

It appears the National Football League could be headed towards a scenario that some might conceivably categorize as “Plaxico-esque”– referring to former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress who accidently shot himself in the leg last November. The NFL dominates the pro sports landscape in the United States, but if recent reports are any indication, a labor lockout that would derail the 2011 season is no longer merely possible; it’s probable. Perhaps the NFL can learn something from the recent misfortunes of Plaxico Burress, before it too makes a costly mistake.

Similarly, the NFL reigns supreme as this country’s most popular professional sports league, and a lost season due to labor strife could jeopardize its current success. According to league sources, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Charlie Batch addressed the labor issues while speaking to the new class of NFL rookies earlier this month, and issued a warning that the chances of a lockout are “100 percent.” Just this week, representatives from the NFL Players’ Association are meeting with members of Congress to seek political support as negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement intensify.